Could 11+ return, as Schools debate enters second day?

Thursday 18 January 2018

Guernsey's politicians will spend at least another day debating the island's future model of secondary education.

Proposals for a two-school model, for 11-18 year olds, have dominated the debate so far, with passionate arguments against closing schools being laid against plans to build new facilities.

The official proposals from the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture include three schools for 11-16 year olds, along with amended proposals for post 16 education. They can be read here.

Those proposals were presented for debate by ESC President, Deputy Paul Le Pelley who told Express: "The topic is an emotive one but I hope and trust that everyone will act in a reasonable and sensible manner.  I also hope that the voting at the end of the debate will be based on the arguments presented and not on the personalities of those presenting them.

"I hope that members will see that the CfESC's proposals have been well researched, ready to be implemented and will be the better option given the Guernsey context".

The strongest challenge to ESC's plans has come from the so-called 'gang of four' deputies who have lodged an amendment which is now seen as the 'alternative proposals'. Deputy Matt Fallaize presented their plans for a two school, 11-18 model, during the first day of debate. 

Those proposals can be read here. Debate on that amendment will continue today.

Pictured: Deputies Matt Fallaize and Paul Le Pelley

Speaking to Express before the debate, Deputy Fallaize said: "I think it is quite finely-balanced and the vote on our amendment could be very close".   

Deputy Fallaize added: "I have no comment to make on what criteria colleagues will use to decide how best to vote.  I know that in recent weeks we have spoken to many deputies who have studied the arguments carefully and who are trying to reach the best conclusion for the benefit of students now and in the future".

This debate comes two years after the abolition of the 11+ was agreed. That emotive debate was the longest in recent memory - with States members taking five days to deliberate in March 2016 before a vote was taken in favour or scrapping selective secondary education. That decision was ratified with a second vote later that year, after the 2016 general election. However, the 11+ could be retained temporarily at least.

A seventh amendment against the ESC proposals has been lodged by Deputies Peter Ferbrache and Jan Kuttelwascher. That proposal seeks to buy time while a new system of secondary education is adopted. It could mean those children currently in year 5 or below at Primary School could sit the test paper and be allocated places at the Grammar School or the Colleges.

The debate will continue from 09:30, Thursday 18 January.